Pennsylvania Turnpike Pennant, 1945-1960
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Artifact Overview
Though some people expressed doubt, thousands enthusiastically paid tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike when it opened in 1940, simply for the privilege of driving fast and effortlessly. The Turnpike was an engineering triumph, involving multiple lanes of continuous concrete pavement that bypassed 939 local roads and cut through seven mountains. This pennant provided a souvenir of the travel experience.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Pennant
Date Made
1945-1960
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
86.89.14
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Felt (Textile)
Color
Red
Yellow (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 3.875 in (widest point of pennant)
Height: 5 in (widest point at ties)
Width: 12.5 in (total width)
Width: 8.75 in (width of pennant (minus ties))
Inscriptions
On front: PENNA. / TURNPIKE
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Related Content
SetThe Pennsylvania Turnpike
- 21 Artifacts
Opened in 1940, the Pennsylvania Turnpike was the prototype for modern limited-access American highways. Financed by user tolls, the turnpike initially ran 160 miles across the Keystone State, connecting Harrisburg with Pittsburgh. It was soon extended 100 miles east to Philadelphia. Drivers appreciated the smooth pavement, gentle curves, and lack of stoplights. The turnpike became a tourist attraction in its own right.